Teen remanded over Divis riot

Belfast Magistrates' Court heard that 19-year-old Corey Smyth, from Juniper Park in Dunmurry, was on bail awaiting sentence on a similar charge when he allegedly took part in rioting at Divis Street on Thursday night.

Eight police officers were injured when they were attacked during trouble at an anti-internment bonfire with a crowd hurling paint bombs, bottles and masonry.

Constable McCartney told the court he believed he could connect Smyth to the charge and also revealed that the teenager had broken the two conditions of his bail by staying out after curfew and consuming alcohol.

He agreed with Smyth's solicitor that during police questioning the teen was "highly apologetic and expressed remorse" for his involvement.

The solicitor argued that despite a previous conviction for riot, allegedly committing the new offence while subject to a suspended sentence and awaiting sentence on another charge of riot, Smyth could safely be released on bail.

Refusing the application however, District Judge Bernadette Kelly said the risk of him committing further offences was not just a risk but a "virtual certainty".

"Low and behold despite all of that, he goes out and commits the same sort of behaviour," said the judge who asked rhetorically: "At which juncture in that history does a mother say enough is enough?"

Meanwhile, two teenagers, aged 14 and 16, are accused of riotous behaviour in relation with the incident.

They are expected to appear before Belfast Youth Court next month.

Three women, aged 25, 26, 27, and an 18-year-old man have also been charged in connection with the rioting at Divis Street.

They are expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court next month.